The gospel music community is in deep mourning after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of three members of one of America’s most beloved Gospel music families, The Nelons.
The beloved Nelon family, renowned for their inspiring music, has tragically perished in a plane crash while traveling to Alaska for a performance. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond.
The Nelons arrive at the 49th Annual Dove Awards on October 16, 2018, at Allen Arena in Nashville, TN. | Source: Getty Images
The tragic accident occurred on Friday, July 26, as the family was en route to a performance. The group’s management company, Gaither Music, shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram.
The somber update was delivered via the Instagram account of Autumn Nelon Streetman, the surviving member of the family. The crash claimed the lives of Kelly Nelon, her husband, Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter, Amber.
Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, and the band’s assistant, Melodi Hodges, were also among the victims. Tragically, the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa perished as well.
The Nelons were headed to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when the accident occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Thompson, Autumn Nelon Clark, and Jason Clark of The Nelons attend the 52nd GMA Dove Awards at Lipscomb Allen Arena on October 19, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
In the statement, Gaither Music also confirmed that Kelly’s younger daughter, Autumn, was not on the flight, along with her husband Jamie Streetman. They were informed of the tragedy upon their arrival in Seattle.
“Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead,” Gaither Music said. The management also asked for prayers for Autumn and Jamie, as well as for the Nathan, Larry, and Melodi families during this challenging time.
In the wake of the devastating plane crash, Autumn also expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans. “Thank you for the prayers and love extended to me, my husband Jamie, and our soon-to-be baby boy, as well as to Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” Autumn shared.
“We deeply appreciate your continued prayers and support as we face the days ahead,” she added. Autumn and Jamie are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby boy, who is expected in December. Autumn first revealed their exciting news back in April, and the anticipation has been a bright spot amidst the current tragedy.
Just before the accident, The Nelons had shared a joyful mini vlog with their fans. The clip captured their enthusiasm for the upcoming Alaskan Cruise performance. The video opened with Jason cheerfully announcing, “Homecoming Alaskan Cruise, we just landed in Nebraska,” before introducing the group and the pilot.
This clip, now a haunting reminder, has shocked fans worldwide. One even reacted poignantly, “Little did they know none of them would survive this.”
The Nelons’ legacy will be profoundly felt in the gospel music community and remembered for the way their melodies touched countless lives and hearts.
The Nelons were more than just a band; they were a musical phenomenon that seamlessly blended gospel, a cappella, hymns, folk, and inspirational tunes into a captivating symphony of sound.
This Grammy-nominated family established a solid fan base with their extraordinary talent and innovative approach. At the heart of this exceptional group was co-founding member Kelly, a powerhouse vocalist, and her husband, Jason Clark, a master musician and producer.
Together with their daughters, Amber and Autumn, they created a sonic experience that was both powerful and deeply moving. Jason’s prowess for crafting infectious harmonies, combined with Kelly’s breathtaking alto, and their daughters’ incredible voices, resulted in a sound that enchanted listeners everywhere.
Their talent took them to places, from grand arenas to cozy rural venues, festivals, and churches across the U.S. and beyond. The Nelons’ performances were a testament to their extraordinary versatility and passion.
Their concerts were heartfelt experiences that left audiences uplifted by messages of hope. The Nelons bridged generations with their unique blend of genres, creating a unifying experience for fans of all ages.
The group’s exceptional talent didn’t just captivate hearts; it earned them prestigious awards that underscore their remarkable contributions to the music world. Their accolades include the GMA Dove Award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year in 2021 for their moving track “If God Pulled Back The Curtain.”
Additionally, in 2010, Kelly was honored with the Favorite Female Vocalist award at the PEOPLE’S Choice Telly Award, a testament to her incredible vocal prowess. The Nelons also took home the Silver Telly Award in 2013 for Best Internet/Online Music Video with their memorable piece, “Excuse Me, Are You Jesus?”
Notable tracks like “What to Expect,” “Christmas in Heaven,” and “Let It Go” are just a few examples of the magic they brought to the stage. Their legacy will forever resonate, celebrating the harmony and joy they shared with the world.
The loss of The Nelons’ family members has created a profound void in the gospel music world. Similarly, the passing of a renowned band member from “The Beatles” brought the world to a standstill.
